Efficacy and safety of embolization in iatrogenic traumatic uterine vascular malformations

To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of embolotherapy in patients with iatrogenic traumatic uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent uterine arterial embolization in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2000 and December 2010 was performed. Forty-two patients were diagnosed with a uterine vascular malformation. All patients had obstetric manipulations before. Serial beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) levels were measured to exclude gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. All patients underwent transcatheter embolization of bilateral uterine arteries. The complications, control of haemorrhage, and outcome of subsequent pregnancies were assessed.

A total of 49 embolization procedures were performed in 42 patients. Seven patients required repeated embolizations for recurrence of bleeding. The technical success rate of embolization was 100%. Bleeding was controlled in 35 of 42 patients (83%) after the first embolization procedures, and bleeding was controlled in another two patients who underwent repeat embolization at a median follow-up of 29 months (range 3 months to 5 years). The overall clinical success rate was 88% (37/42). Thirteen patients subsequently became pregnant and eight of 13 patients had uneventful intrauterine pregnancies carried to term. Seven patients had post-embolization syndrome and no other complication occurred.

Percutaneous embolotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for traumatic AVMs. Future pregnancy is still possible after embolization.